Gallery Artist Statement

Sue grew-up in Washington and has had wonderful opportunities to experience the great-outdoors both here and abroad. She has lived in Kittitas County since 1991 and loves travel often. This travel has expanded her experience along with her creative inspiration. Travel experiences have informed and invigorated her to share a translated version of her experience through art. Each experience is something new but memorable. Incorporating each of those diverse experiences into an artistic fusion influences the end result that she is seeking.

In her nature photography and sculpture, she states that she has “tried to capture or recreate that flutter of energy and excitement”, that is of a new place or experience.

Expanded Artist Statement

I find the wind in the trees or movement of a bird intriguing and inspiring. Taking the opportunity to spend time outside is invigorating. In my photography and sculpture, I’ve tried to capture or recreate that flutter of energy and excitement.

Perhaps we would become bored if we spent all day outside. It might not be enough to look for birds or collect leaves, rocks, or shells. Would the day be more complete if we could capture that joy and peace and renew our spirit in a piece of art inspired by the experience? We can combine it with other memories to create an object that inspires a feeling uniquely ours. Something that resonates with us, saying this is you; you are special and unique; grow and become MORE with time.

As I’m working on a piece, I question the concept. Are we seeking innocent independence in our movements, or are we looking for an easily identifiable representation? This helps me decide whether or not a piece will be a stylized form of something we might recognize or a vague abstraction of its essence.

Whether it is incorporating the physical movement of lifting the camera or using the chisel and mallet, these actions allow me to combine my vision into a piece of art. In the end, I have created something out of that experience.

I like to get my hands dirty when I'm working with organic material. Forcing a stone into a shape that was not of its making, creating rubble and then caressing it until it is smooth and inviting to the touch, is where I find my joy. I like to bend metal and force it to take a shape of my choosing, ultimately changing the nature of an object. Regardless, it is transformed and then returned stronger with a new purpose. I know a piece is complete when smooth and still, excreting a sense of peacefulness. 

My art is informed by travel experiences that I’ve had.  I love to travel, so each experience is something new but memorable. Incorporating each of those diverse experiences into an artistic fusion influences the end result.

Although invigorated by the movement in nature, I’m also inspired by ancient artifacts. A mystery is associated with each ancient carving or statue. My imagination runs wild with thoughts of what motivated the maker and in what way this piece benefited the user. Was it utilitarian or spiritual? I’d like to be able to create this type of mystery. My hope is that viewers see something obvious or something a little deeper that encourages more reach within themselves. A universal creation with a personal touch that encourages moments of self-reflection and positive encouragement.

Each piece of art I make is a theory. It’s not proven; it’s just a concept, a shadow based on the reality of nature.  Is its spirit gone or just set free?